Meet the Steering Committee – Isabel Tingay

by CAMAWISE on October 3, 2017

Isabel Tingay

What is your current profession/background?

I hold a PhD in Chemistry and currently work at an International Chemicals company, developing after-treatment solutions for the automotive industry. I apply my knowledge and skills to the creation of next generation catalysts. I started in research and followed this with a move to development. This involves working with customers to understand their requirements, turning these into development projects.

What point in your life led you to pursue a career in STEM?

I have always had a keen interest in how things work; one of my earliest memories is finding a bird skeleton in the garden and working out how it functioned and fitted together! I was fortunate to be taught by two very inspirational chemistry teachers at school who sparked off and encouraged my interest in chemistry.

What is one of your biggest aspirations?

To use science to improve the environment and human health. I spent a year in a research lab in France studying marine sediments for pollutants. This was both thoroughly enjoyable and the turning point in my decision of how I was to apply my scientific background in my career. I have continued this through my work, reducing pollution from trucks and buses.

What advice would you give to aspiring female scientists and engineers?

Follow what interests you and what you love doing. Seek out a mentor and offer mentoring to others. Actively manage your career at all times. And most importantly, science and engineering are fascinating and constantly changing subjects, so enjoy!

How have you benefited from being a part of CAMAWiSE?

I have been a member of CAMAWiSE for a couple of years and it has been wonderful to meet fellow STEM professionals with similar interests and experiences. The workshops have been complementary to the training I have received through my job and have given me additional tools to use for personal development.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I have completed the Cambridge half marathon and fit in exercise whenever I can. I have an allotment and love spending a Sunday afternoon digging, weeding and growing unusual produce. I even grew award-winning pumpkins this year!

Ask me about …

Automotive catalysis, spot the truck and name the catalyst (!), and balancing a career with having children.